Cheap Flights from San Francisco to Hawaii

From the Bay Area, Hawaii is about five and a half to six hours by air, which is less than a flight to New York. It feels like a different country, but it is a domestic trip, so you do not need a passport, only the ID you would use for any US flight. That simplicity is a big reason the route is so popular.

The flip side is that every airline knows how much demand there is. Fares between the Bay Area and the islands rise sharply in the peak weeks, and the cheapest seats go early. Knowing which airport, which island and which weeks to choose is the difference between a reasonable fare and an expensive one.

San Francisco International (SFO) has the widest choice of airlines, including United, Alaska and Hawaiian, but it can be crowded and its fares are not always the lowest. Oakland (OAK) and San Jose (SJC) are smaller, easier airports that are well worth checking, especially for Southwest, which flies from both to several islands.

Compare the total cost, including how you will reach the airport and what you will pay for parking. For East Bay residents, Oakland is often the obvious choice, and for the South Bay, San Jose is. Our SFO airport guide explains how to reach the airport and what to expect.

United, Alaska, Hawaiian, Southwest and, on some routes, Delta and American all fly between the Bay Area and the islands. Hawaiian Airlines is now part of the Alaska Air Group, and the two brands have been combining their networks, so check what is on offer from each.

Competition on this route is strong, which helps prices, and it also means there are lots of fare types to compare. Check the baggage rules and the seat policy, since they vary a lot. Our guide to Alaska Airlines explains how the airline and its partners connect to the islands.

From December to April, humpback whales migrate to Hawaiian waters, and Maui in particular is one of the best places in the world to see them, often from the beach. It is also the season for big surf on Oahu's North Shore, with world-class competitions.

That is the main reason winter is the most expensive time to visit. If whales matter to you, February is typically the peak, and booking early for those weeks is wise. If you prefer calmer seas and cheaper flights, the shoulder months of May and September are a good compromise.

Inter-island flights are short, about 40 minutes to an hour, and run frequently on Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest, with regional carriers on smaller routes. Two islands in a ten-day trip is a comfortable pace, and three is ambitious.

A popular pairing is Oahu and Maui, combining Honolulu's beaches and history with Maui's coast and Haleakala. Kauai and the Big Island suit nature lovers, with waterfalls, hiking and volcanoes. An open-jaw ticket, flying into one island and home from another, saves backtracking. Our guide to multi-city versus round-trip tickets explains how.

The wildfires in August 2023 devastated Lahaina on West Maui, and the town is still rebuilding. Other parts of Maui, including Wailea, Kihei and Upcountry, have welcomed visitors back, and tourism is an important part of the island's recovery.

If you visit, be respectful, avoid sightseeing in affected areas, and support local businesses. Check the Maui visitors' bureau and local news for current guidance before you go, since the situation continues to evolve.

Fares on the Bay Area to Hawaii route vary a lot in what they include. Some cheaper fares do not include a checked bag, and basic fares may restrict seat selection and changes. Southwest's policies have also changed, so check the current rules.

If you are going for a week or more, you will probably want a bag, so compare fares including bags. Our comparison of basic and standard economy explains what changes between fare types.

Six hours is long enough to feel it. Bring a charged phone or tablet with downloaded shows, a refillable water bottle, a light layer and snacks. Choose an aisle seat if you want to move around, or a window if you hope to sleep.

Check whether Wi-Fi is available and what it costs. Our guide to in-flight Wi-Fi compares airlines, and our guide to long-haul flight comfort offers more tips.

Pack light, quick-drying clothes, a swimsuit, a rain jacket for windward sides and a warm layer if you plan to visit Haleakala or Mauna Kea at sunrise or night, where it is cold. Sturdy shoes are useful for hiking, and reef-safe sunscreen is a must.

Bring a refillable water bottle, a dry bag for beach days and a small first-aid kit. Leave space in your luggage for souvenirs, though note that some food items from Hawaii may need to be declared on your way back to California.

Hawaii's weather is mild all year, with a drier summer and a wetter winter on the windward sides. Hurricane season runs from June to November, though direct hits are rare. Flight disruptions are possible but not common.

On the Big Island, volcanic activity at Kilauea varies, and the national park occasionally closes areas. Check conditions before you go. Travel insurance can protect you against cancellations from storms or other events.

Send us your home airport, dates and which islands you are considering, and a specialist can compare San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, check the airlines and find the best fare. We can also help with hotels, rental cars and inter-island flights.

Run a few searches below on different dates; seeing the spread is often more useful than any rule of thumb. If one of the prices looks right, give us a call and we will read the fare conditions and bag rules line by line first.